M 50mm F2 Production Variations

Adam · 03-05-2007, 10:16 PM

I accidentally managed to acquire both versions of this lens, and I've seen talk about differences, so here's a quick comparison:

Early Lens:
-Metal Barrel
-Made in Taiwan
-49 teeth on the aperture ring
-165g

Late Lens:
-Plastic Barrel (just like the 'A' counterpart, except it's made in Japan)
-Made in Japan
-59 teeth on the aperture ring
-138g

It also looks like there are some differences in the diaphragm- specifically in how the stop-down lever works and how the blades are positioned.

See the comparison photos below for a visual reference:

Adam
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FotoPete · 03-05-2007, 11:19 PM

OMG ! haha. I just noticed that the grip is plastic! Oh well, its still good. and the focus is smooth...now if only I can find that tack sharp 50/1.7

Adam · 03-05-2007, 11:23 PM

The M 1.7 is made of metal and features a very solid construction, but the A version is made of plastic. Optically, they're both superb, as you said

FotoPete · 03-05-2007, 11:32 PM

Got a spare you can lend me? haha. jk.

I got my Vivitar 28-90mm and its pretty sharp. It came in goot cosmetic shape but there was oil on the blades and I found out later that the 2nd element is a little loose. It rattles in its slot if you shake the lens. The oil doesn't seem to bother the aperture blades much so hopefully it remains that way.

Back to the topic...haha I guess the only thing remaining from the M series Lens era are the metal bodied Limiteds. Very thing's plastic nowadays.

Denis · 03-06-2007, 12:57 AM

Originally posted by FotoPete

OMG ! haha. I just noticed that the grip is plastic! Oh well, its still good. and the focus is smooth...now if only I can find that tack sharp 50/1.7

Check my 50/1.7 image sample,

https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/post-your-photos/4056-flower-50mm-f1-7-a.html

I have to use this lens more on the k10d, very good results so far.

FotoPete · 03-09-2007, 02:29 PM

OMG Adam! I just noticed that the M35/2.8 and the M135/3.5 all have that "A" plastic barrel grip too!

03-05-2007, 10:16 PM	#1
Adam Administrator Site Webmaster Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Arizona Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 51,594	M 50mm F2 Production Variations I accidentally managed to acquire both versions of this lens, and I've seen talk about differences, so here's a quick comparison: Early Lens: -Metal Barrel -Made in Taiwan -49 teeth on the aperture ring -165g Late Lens: -Plastic Barrel (just like the 'A' counterpart, except it's made in Japan) -Made in Japan -59 teeth on the aperture ring -138g It also looks like there are some differences in the diaphragm- specifically in how the stop-down lever works and how the blades are positioned. See the comparison photos below for a visual reference: Adam PentaxForums.com Webmaster (Site Usage Guide \| Site Help \| My Photography) PentaxForums.com server and development costs are user-supported. You can help cover these costs by donating or purchasing one of our Pentax eBooks. Or, buy your photo gear from our affiliates, Adorama, B&H Photo, KEH, or Topaz Labs, and get FREE Marketplace access - click here to see how! Trusted Pentax retailers:

03-05-2007, 11:23 PM	#3
Adam Administrator Site Webmaster Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Arizona Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 51,594 Original Poster	The M 1.7 is made of metal and features a very solid construction, but the A version is made of plastic. Optically, they're both superb, as you said Adam PentaxForums.com Webmaster (Site Usage Guide \| Site Help \| My Photography) PentaxForums.com server and development costs are user-supported. You can help cover these costs by donating or purchasing one of our Pentax eBooks. Or, buy your photo gear from our affiliates, Adorama, B&H Photo, KEH, or Topaz Labs, and get FREE Marketplace access - click here to see how! Trusted Pentax retailers:

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03-05-2007, 11:19 PM	#2
FotoPete Veteran Member Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Toronto Photos: Gallery Posts: 1,774	OMG ! haha. I just noticed that the grip is plastic! Oh well, its still good. and the focus is smooth...now if only I can find that tack sharp 50/1.7

03-05-2007, 11:32 PM	#4
FotoPete Veteran Member Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Toronto Photos: Gallery Posts: 1,774	Got a spare you can lend me? haha. jk. I got my Vivitar 28-90mm and its pretty sharp. It came in goot cosmetic shape but there was oil on the blades and I found out later that the 2nd element is a little loose. It rattles in its slot if you shake the lens. The oil doesn't seem to bother the aperture blades much so hopefully it remains that way. Back to the topic...haha I guess the only thing remaining from the M series Lens era are the metal bodied Limiteds. Very thing's plastic nowadays.

03-06-2007, 12:57 AM	#5
Denis Veteran Member Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: St-Albert, Alberta, Canada Posts: 330	Originally posted by FotoPete OMG ! haha. I just noticed that the grip is plastic! Oh well, its still good. and the focus is smooth...now if only I can find that tack sharp 50/1.7 Check my 50/1.7 image sample, https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/post-your-photos/4056-flower-50mm-f1-7-a.html I have to use this lens more on the k10d, very good results so far.

03-09-2007, 02:29 PM	#6
FotoPete Veteran Member Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Toronto Photos: Gallery Posts: 1,774	OMG Adam! I just noticed that the M35/2.8 and the M135/3.5 all have that "A" plastic barrel grip too!